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| Tottenham vs. Chelsea – Pre-Match Analysis |
Gone are the days, when our neighbors were mocked with chants that referred to their home as ” Three-Point Lane”. Apart from being a fierce London Derby, the importance of this game has risen since ” Special One 2.0″ moved across the city.
5-1 was the scoreline, when the two teams last met and the teams have changed drastically since then.
Here’s my Chelsea lineup for the game –
Before you start wondering why I included Moses, Azpilicueta and Bertrand, lets see the probable Tottenham lineup.
Talking points on the way the team’s play –
This is where I explain the awkward inclusion of Bertrand and Moses.
Dembele is a huge threat whereas Sandro drives forward to help out in attack. AVB”s philosophy is simple. Mess up the defensive line. Aston Villa’s defender’s were in shambles when Tottenham were done with them. Dembele plays a huge role in carrying out the duty of dragging defenders away from their position.
This where Oscar usually comes into play. He kept Pirlo quiet against Juventus, and denied any kind of space for Arteta at the Emirates. By doing so he allows Hazard-Mata to cut in and Torres to play deeper , with Cole and Brana pushing forward and Oscar playing as deep lying play-maker. When Oscar goes deep, it further helps Mikel to go even more deeper and helps Ramires hold the right flank.
This is how it looks like –
One of the main reasons why we’re still being accused of parking the bus. Mikel and Ramires push back, whereas Cole and Ivan are bit in the front.
But Tottenham have Dembele, who is different. He is a more mobile kind off player. Oscar cannot spend his entire time on him as he has to handle attacking duties as well. This gives Lampard a chance. You could say that Ramires might be able to control him or Mikel, but with Ramires or Mikel on him, Gareth Bale will burst past our flanks, cut in and create an opportunity to score. Without Mikel our defense is very vulnerable.
Thats why I chose Bertrand.
Obviously he should not play for the entire 90 minutes but if needed we can bring him on. He has previously shifted into central midfield and covered for left flank. Thus giving us a triple pivot of Mikel-Ramires-Bertrand. Thats how Di Matteo countered against Cabaye and Arfa against Newcastle.
Bertrand covered for Hatem Ben Arfa, thus giving Cole plenty of time to get up front. When our pivot players attacked he drifted center, so as to prevent counter-attacks.
Here’s how it looks like –
A nice touch by Di Matteo. But seeing that the gaffer will focus more on his strengths than to defend against his opposition’s strength just like against Arsenal, expect MAZACAR to play the entire 90 minutes.
Now on to Moses and Dave. Once again I don’t expect them to play the entire 90 minutes expect for maybe Dave. Lets take it that, Mikel and Ramires start in double pivot. Gareth Bale as always charges on in the right flank and keeps cutting in. With Azpilicueta, we have pace and pin-point crossing ability. Ivanovic can handle Bale’s trickery, but the pace is a problem.
Bale has humiliated right-backs before, with Maicon being a living testament. Azpilicueta can use his pace against him and get forward. Vertonghen loves to move forward. This gives us a chance to exploit this area. Moreover Mikel HAS to play, as he can stop threatening counter-attacks and control Bale with his strength when the Welshman cuts inside.
So what if Di Matteo goes with Brana at right? We can then depend on Moses. Moses has pace and he loves to cut inside. He can use his trickery to get past Vertonghen. Moreover, among our midfielders and wingers, Moses is willing to handle defensive duties more. He can come back to help out Ivanovic with Bale.
With everything said and done, the game comes down to the one who makes a good chance out of every counter-attack and one who exploits the flanks. Both the team’s don’t have a Modri
c type player (except Oscar, if he moves deeper), who can change the pace of the game at will and the team’s will try to control possession Hopefully Chelsea can come out with a win.
c type player (except Oscar, if he moves deeper), who can change the pace of the game at will and the team’s will try to control possession Hopefully Chelsea can come out with a win.
Come on Chelsea ! Carefree since 1905.
Sherry Philips (@bluebloodSherry), Deputy Editor
Nice analysis,I expect dave to start,the partnership of cahill and luiz I pray it works tomorrow,I wldnt want torres to start the game,hazard,oscar,moses,mata/marin
Nice analysis,I expect dave to start,the partnership of cahill and luiz I pray it works tomorrow,I wldnt want torres to start the game,hazard,oscar,moses,mata/marin
Frank Lampard and Ryan
Bertrand remain doubtful having
both missed England matched
Frank Lampard and Ryan
Bertrand remain doubtful having
both missed England matched
I expect them to be fine by now though but if not, my bad !
I expect them to be fine by now though but if not, my bad !
Thanks for all the hard work in putting all this together for us! 🙂
Thanks for all the hard work in putting all this together for us! 🙂
Nice one Sherry keep it up!
Nice one Sherry keep it up!
BTW…nice analysis.
BTW…nice analysis.
An absolute pleasure ! Helps me learn more as well !
Thanks !
An absolute pleasure ! Helps me learn more as well !
Thanks !
Thank you !
Thank you !
Thank you !
Thank you !
Thanks ! 🙂
Thanks ! 🙂
I think we should give marin a chance if bertrand is not available!
I think we should give marin a chance if bertrand is not available!
I think RDM's still doesn't know how he can fit him in or he is worried about the German's fitness. He is a strong possibility for Saturday.
I think RDM's still doesn't know how he can fit him in or he is worried about the German's fitness. He is a strong possibility for Saturday.
Brilliant and spot on as always, Sherry. Love reading your analysis. 🙂
Brilliant and spot on as always, Sherry. Love reading your analysis. 🙂
Thanks man! 🙂
Thanks man! 🙂
Wow. Simply breath taking Sherry. From Arthur Osadebe
Wow. Simply breath taking Sherry. From Arthur Osadebe
Am relaxed and refreshed reading ur analysis. As usual quiet educative.
Am relaxed and refreshed reading ur analysis. As usual quiet educative.
Thanks ! 🙂
Thanks ! 🙂
Thanks ! 🙂
Thanks ! 🙂
Sherry sherry sherry…u should start coaching(am saying this again)..I hope the blues win.best of luck blues
Sherry sherry sherry…u should start coaching(am saying this again)..I hope the blues win.best of luck blues
I think we'll let them have the ball at times to get too comfortable and then hit them on the break. Remember,AVB likes to play a pressing high line and RDM is aware of that so expect a few counter attacks and running in behind their defence. I might be wrong tho but that's just my prediction.
I think we'll let them have the ball at times to get too comfortable and then hit them on the break. Remember,AVB likes to play a pressing high line and RDM is aware of that so expect a few counter attacks and running in behind their defence. I might be wrong tho but that's just my prediction.
Haha thanks again !
Haha thanks again !
They'll definitely dominate a bit of possesion. For Chelsea it will probably be Oscar, Hazard and Mata who can keep the ball well themselves. The game will be decided on counter-attacks for sure !
They'll definitely dominate a bit of possesion. For Chelsea it will probably be Oscar, Hazard and Mata who can keep the ball well themselves. The game will be decided on counter-attacks for sure !
i want 2 ask maybe sturridge iz available
i want 2 ask maybe sturridge iz available
Sturridge is out with a hamstring problem !
Sturridge is out with a hamstring problem !